Reoptimization for Great Power Competition

“I’m extremely proud of the Space Force and all the good it has accomplished. But, as good as we are, as much as we’ve done, as far as we’ve come, it’s not enough. We are not yet optimized for Great Power Competition.”

~ Chief of Space Operations
Gen. Chance Saltzman

The establishment of the U.S. Space Force was a direct response to threats arising from Great Power Competition in the space domain. Nevertheless, our legacy roots leave us sub-optimized for the security environment confronting us today, and we must finish fine-tuning the service to continue meeting its National Defense Strategy responsibilities

In early 2024, the Department of the Air Force unveiled sweeping plans for reshaping, refocusing, and reoptimizing the Air Force and Space Force to ensure continued supremacy in their respective domains while better posturing the services to deter and, if necessary, prevail in an era of Great Power Competition. Through a series of 24 DAF-wide key decisions, four core areas which demand the Department’s attention will be addressed: Develop People, Generate Readiness, Project Power and Develop Capabilities.

The space domain is no longer benign; it has rapidly become congested and contested.

We must enhance our capabilities, develop Guardians for modern warfare, prepare for the high intensity fight, and strengthen our power projection to thrive and win in this new era of Great Power Competition.

Video by Senior Airman Nathaniel Stout

The 83rd ERQS Story: Joint Personnel Recovery

455th Air Expeditionary Wing

March 21, 2018 | 4:31

Members of the 83rd Expeditionary Rescue Squadron explain the importance of the U.S. Army CH-47F Chinook to the mission at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan during March, 2018. Airmen flying missions every day or coalition forces going outside the wire on patrols, can fight a little harder and rest a little easier knowing there is a group of highly trained and motivated pararescuemen willing to put their lives on the line to save them. For the first time in Afghanistan, these pararescuemen of the 83rd ERQS do this working hand-in-hand with the U.S. Army CH-47 Chinooks.